The Victorian Disability Advisory Council’s new members for the next term have been announced, with a number of new names coming in to help make Victoria a more accessible place to be.
The Council provides independent advice to the Victorian Government about the significant issues impacting Victorians with disability.
“Listening to the experiences of people with disability are a fundamental part of making Victoria the most inclusive and accessible state,” said Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks.
“I thank the current Council for their strong advocacy which shaped the State Disability Action Plan and the support provided to Victorians with disability in response to the pandemic.”
The Council will advise on the implementation of Inclusive Victoria, the state disability plan for 2022-26.
“I am honoured to lead a diverse group of people passionate about making Victoria a more inclusive place for Victorians with disability,” said Victorian Disability Advisory Council Chair Chris Varney.
The following people have been appointed to the Council and will serve a fixed term until July 2025:
Chris Varney (Chairperson)
Mija Gwyn (Deputy Chairperson)
Amanda Lawrie-Jones (re-appointee)
Caitlin Syer (re-appointee)
Gabrielle Hall (re-appointee)
Martin Heng (re-appointee)
Amir Abdi
James Griffiths
Jen Hargrave
Samantha Lilly
Thanh (Akii) Ngo
Laura Pettenuzzo
Diana Piantedosi.
The new appointees bring a wide range of lived experience of disability and expertise in inclusion – including advocacy, policy and program delivery. For more information visit vic.gov.au/victorian-disability-advisory-council
